I find that buy good tools make a night and day difference, even if I am not going to use them that much
examples,

I used cheapy came with the nashbar $50 kit chain tool for years..... just got a park (the ~$35 or so one) night and day and work it to me even if I am not doing a chain a day
And I got the park quick link pliers....thought it was an extravagance....but worth every penny (and the shimano looks better)

and for what it is worth, I still have my set of Sk sockets and ratchet.....all I needed (plus a strobe) to tune and change the oil on a 64 dodge with a 318 bitd